Outreach Specialist - Mel Trotter Ministries

Our Outreach Specialist works directly with our Director of Outreach Services. This role plays an impactful role in our efforts to end homelessness. As part of our Outreach Team, the specialist travels into many areas of our community in support those who are experiencing homelessness and who are not currently in shelter. The Outreach Specialist helps meet the need of access to our shower trailer, food, and clothing. This role also provides connection to community resources, the encouragement of a conversation, the compassion of Christ, and spiritual support.

Essential Job Duties

• Exhibit and exercise strong knowledge of resources directly related to housing and employment in Grand Rapids.
• Inform those we serve of the services available to help them in their present situation. Ensure they have access to information on housing and other options to include Program options.
• Work with the Outreach team to develop plans to fix any issues that are encountered within the department. Initiate communication with the Outreach Coordinator on any operational or personnel issues that may negatively impact operations.
• Serve as an active training resource for volunteers participating in Outreach shifts to ensure the highest quality experience for all involved.
• Assist in the creation of meaningful and productive roles in which volunteers might serve in the organization, and to interact positively and cooperatively with our volunteers.
• Ensure all volunteers and interns are interacting with those we serve in a grace-based and relationally driven manner.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, and ensure the physical security and maintenance of assigned equipment.
• Maintain a positive, pleasant, professional Christian attitude. Work with other staff to forge and model transparent and supportive relationships
• Attend all Mission meetings and training sessions, as required.
• Work effectively with colleagues throughout the Mission's organization to achieve ministry objectives, maintaining good communication and working relationships
• Drive between various ministry locations as needed.
• Any other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Hope Outreach Van

• Prep and operate the MTM 'Hope' Outreach van at various locations and outreach locations bringing much needed care to those we serve in Grand Rapids
• Work with partners, churches, and volunteers to meet the needs of unsheltered individuals
• Provide outreach services and resources to individuals at each site to include, clothing distribution, hygiene products and food when available.
• Work closely with the Outreach Coordinator to manage inventory and supplies for outreach

MTM Shower Truck

1. Prep and operate the Mission shower trailer at various locations and per-determined outreach locations bringing much needed care to those we serve in Grand Rapids
2. Work with partners, churches, volunteers and program interns to help set-up, operate and tear-down clean the shower trailer multiple times a week.
3. Provide outreach services and resources to individuals at each site to include, clothing distribution, hygiene products and food when available.
4. Work closely with the Outreach Coordinator and Facilities Department to address any maintenance issues with shower trailer, van or equipment.
5. Restock and order all necessary supplies and equipment needed to successfully sustain shower trailer ministry efforts.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years' experience working in proximity with similar population
• Trauma-informed care and de-escalation training, or willing to train
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite
• Valid Driver's License, Chauffer's License preferred
• Ability to work independently and with little supervision
• Ability to communicate our vision professionally and passionately
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, able to manage multiple projects

Working Conditions

• Regular standing, walking, climbing, crouching, bending, pushing, or pulling
• Understand, speak, read, and write fluent English
• Ability to communicate verbally and to accurately hear, with hearing correction
• Ability to see 20/20, with vision correction
• Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, and up to 35 pounds regularly
• Able to use fine motor hand functions
• Able to work outside in varying temperatures from 32 degrees to above 80 degrees
• Able to drive and to enter and exit a van repeatedly during each Outreach tour